March 29, 2024

Past Hornbine School Student Shares Some History

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Each year, as part of their curriculum, Palmer River School students dress in period clothing, pack an “old fashioned” lunch and reenact a school day at the Hornbine School. This year, Christina Gariepy, a third grade student in Mrs. Salois’s class, attended the Hornbine School on June 3, 2015. Christina’s great, great grandmother, Mary Magan, was the custodian at the Hornbine School for many years. Christina’s great grandmother, Frances Magan Jones, who attended Hornbine School from 1927 – 1932, was at the school to greet her. Christine’s mother, Megan Drown is Frances’ granddaughter. Christine’s aunt, Kathleen Drown, also a granddaughter, visited for the day.
Christina’s great grandmother, Frances Magan Jones, has been speaking to visiting classes in recent years. She recounts her school memories at the Hornbine School. The third grade students are always interested to hear about Frances’ school experiences.
While she attended the Hornbine School there was no water or electricity. Frances’ mother, the custodian, would carry a pail of water to the school each day and pour the water into a tin water pot with a spigot. On cold days, she’d start the fire in the heating stove. If the day was cloudy, the students would have to work in the dim light which came through the windows. Frances and her brother were the only students who walked home for lunch. The others lived too far away. Frances had the same teacher, Mrs. Esther Hopkins, while she attended the school.
At the tender age of five, Frances was determined to attend school with her older brother Clarence. After meeting with the superintendent of schools, it was decided to admit Frances on a trial basis. Frances completed her first grade work in the fall and finished the 2nd grade in the spring. She entered 3rd grade at the age of 6. Frances says she was the teacher’s pet and helped instruct other students, including her brother.( She had quickly moved up to his grade level). After attending the Bark Street School in Swansea for her 7th & 8th grade years, she enrolled in the Joseph Case High School. Frances, who graduated at the age of 16, is now ninety three. She has lived in the neighborhood most of her life.
Frances Magan attends the Hornbine School open house most 2nd and 4th Sundays during the summer months. She is friendly and always happy to answer questions. The Hornbine School Museum is located in the south east corner of Rehoboth at the corner of Baker and Hornbine Roads.

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